Plans to demolish homes on flood-hit street approved

Plans for a council to purchase and demolish homes on a street where a woman drowned when water filled her home have been given the green light.

Maureen Gilbert died after her house in Tapton Terrace, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, flooded in October 2023 when the nearby River Rother burst its banks.

Chesterfield Borough Council voted unanimously at a meeting on Wednesday to approve the flood risk management project for the street, which has suffered flooding problems since at least 2007.

The council said it would take "a lead role" in delivering the project in partnership with the Environment Agency, which seeks to remove the risk to life by demolishing the properties.

The council approved in principle the use of compulsory purchase order powers and said the plans were subject to approval of an outline business case by the government.

It also confirmed the project will be fully funded by government grant funding, which was also agreed at the meeting.

At Gilbert's inquest, coroner Matthew Kewley ruled the 83-year-old had died in her home "due to drowning in flood waters due to Storm Babet".

Gilbert's son Paul said that in the long-term, he thought demolishing the houses was the right thing to do, but said the thought of demolishing the houses was "gutting".

Lisa Thompson, who has lived in Tapton Terrace for 20 years, said it would be "very emotional" when the street was demolished, but said "there's no other way around it".

Following a review of options, including flood defences and property flood resilience measures, the Environment Agency concluded purchasing and demolishing the homes on Tapton Terrace, and preventing future development on the land, offered the only effective long-term solution to keep residents safe.

Homeowners and renters have been reassured they will receive a fair market payment for their property, according to the council, alongside compensation recognising disruption and loss.

No residents are being asked to move immediately, the borough council stressed.

Any further updates, including detailed timelines, will be shared with residents as the project develops.

The borough council's chief executive Christine Durrant said the authority's thoughts remained with Gilbert's family and friends, and everyone on Tapton Terrace affected by flooding.

She added: "As the local authority, we will work with our partners to progress this project carefully while supporting the residents with clear information and practical help throughout.

"We know this news can be unsettling, and we are committed to supporting each household as our plans develop."

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